Pueblos Mancomunados

Zapotec mountain villages in Oaxaca's Sierra Norte that share trails and cabins, with cool pine forest above the valley heat.

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Pueblos Mancomunados is a group of Zapotec mountain villages in Oaxaca's Sierra Norte, the northern mountains of Oaxaca state in southern Mexico. The villages work together as a communal association and share trails and overnight lodging run by local residents. The land rises well above Oaxaca City, so the air is cooler and the slopes are covered in pine forest.

The area suits hikers and travelers who want a slower pace or a break from the valley heat. Travelers come from Oaxaca City by road through the mountains, either for a day or for a night or more in a village. Plan hiking for the drier months, since summer brings frequent rain. Ask the community tourism office in the village about cabins and guides before you arrive. Two nights leave time for more than one route, and one night covers a short visit.

Pueblos Mancomunados in five

Book through the community officesThe villages run their own ecotourism offices, which arrange cabins, meals and local guides. Booking ahead helps, especially at weekends and holidays.Oaxaca
Hike with a village guideThe trails link villages through pine and oak forest, and many are signed but not always obvious. A guide adds safety, local knowledge and income for the community.
Pack for cold nights at altitudeThe villages sit around 3,000 m, so nights can be near freezing even when days are mild. Bring a warm layer, rain gear and sunscreen.
Go on a clear day for the viewsSome viewpoints look toward the Oaxaca valleys on clear mornings. Clouds roll in later in the day, so start early.
Allow for the road inThe drive from Oaxaca City climbs on winding roads and takes roughly one and a half to two hours to the nearest villages. Arrange transport with your cabin or a local operator.

Things to do in Pueblos Mancomunados

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Free trip plannerPlan a trip to Pueblos MancomunadosPut the places you like in Pueblos Mancomunados on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Oaxaca (OAX), plus 1.5 to 2 hours by road to the nearest village
Getting there: Shared transport or tour from Oaxaca City
Getting around: Hiking trails between villages; a vehicle for the road
Best base: A village cabin for a night or two
Time needed: 1 day, or 1 to 3 nights

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryClear1 rainy dayHigh25°Low11°Dry, frosty nights
FebruaryClear1 rainy dayHigh27°Low11°Dry, clear
MarchClear2 rainy daysHigh29°Low13°Dry, mild
AprilClear5 rainy daysHigh30°Low14°Dry, warm
MayClear10 rainy daysHigh29°Low16°Dry, then rains
JuneRain21 rainy daysHigh25°Low15°Rainy, misty
JulyRain20 rainy daysHigh25°Low14°Rainy, green
AugustRain22 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Rainy, green
SeptemberRain22 rainy daysHigh23°Low15°Peak rain
OctoberPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh24°Low14°Drier, clear
NovemberClear3 rainy daysHigh24°Low12°Dry, cool
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh24°Low11°Cold, clear nights

Average daily high and low in Pueblos Mancomunados, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Pueblos Mancomunados

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 26°
Humidity: 35%
Wind: 4 km/h
Chance of rain: 4%

Pueblos Mancomunados

04:02 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-6

Today21°7°4%Monday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 4%.
Tue21°8°73%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 73%.
Wed21°7°4%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 4%.
Thu21°9°11%Thursday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 11%.
Fri21°8°4%Friday: Clear. High 21°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 4%.
Sat20°9°29%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 20°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 29%.
Sun18°9°49%Sunday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 49%.

Updated 03:09 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 18.81 MXN

Amount

Converted to

MXN · Mexican Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Pueblos Mancomunados

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

JulGuelaguetzaOaxaca, a day trip

Day trips by train

Oaxaca Cityabout 1.5 to 2 hours by roadMarkets, food and the usual base for Sierra Norte trips.Read the guide
Teotitlán del Valleabout 2 hours by roadA weaving village in the valley, a natural stop on the way back to the city.Read the guide
Other Sierra Norte villagesvaries by trailTrails link several villages, so a longer stay can change cabins along the way.

Before you go to Pueblos Mancomunados

Guided hikes from Oaxaca CityTransport, guide and village visitCompare day trips

Community cabinsSimple mountain lodging in a villageCheck availability

eSIM for OaxacaSignal fades in the high villagesRead the guide

Travel insurance for MexicoHiking at altitude, remote rescueRead the guide

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Rules for Pueblos Mancomunados, checked

Many nationalities do not need a visa for Mexico, but you receive a tourist permit on arrival. Check entry rules at gob.mx/sre before you book.Source
Book cabins and local guides through each village's community tourism office.
Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Mexico.
Carry enough pesos in cash for cabins, guides and village shops, since card payment may not be accepted in the villages.
Mobile signal can be patchy on the trails, so download offline maps before you leave Oaxaca City.

Plan around Pueblos Mancomunados

All of Mexico

Beaches, colonial cities, ruins and highlands

Read the guide Oaxaca

The city base and its food and markets

Read the guide Oaxaca City

Hotels, markets and the road to the Sierra

Read the guide San Cristóbal de las Casas

Another highland base in Chiapas

Read the guide Puerto Escondido

The Pacific coast to the south

Read the guide

Pueblos Mancomunados FAQ

Are Pueblos Mancomunados worth visiting?

Yes if you like cool mountain air, forest trails and small villages. They are rustic and community-run, so expect simple lodging and set meals rather than luxury.

How do you get to Pueblos Mancomunados from Oaxaca City?

By shared transport, a taxi or a tour, roughly one and a half to two hours on a winding road. Book the transfer with your cabin or a local operator, since public service is limited.

Can you visit Pueblos Mancomunados as a day trip?

Yes, but a day trip means a lot of road for a short hike. Staying one night gives time for a longer trail, a cabin meal and a quiet night above the valley.

What should you pack for the Sierra Norte?

Warm layers, rain gear, sturdy shoes, sun protection and water. Nights can be cold at 3,000 m, and there is little shade on open ridges.

When is the best time to visit Pueblos Mancomunados?

November to April is dry and clear, with cold nights. May to October brings rain and mist, though the forest is green. Check conditions with the community office before you go.